This week the Property Poser expert assists a reader who does not have a problem at present but is proactively trying to prevent one. The reader explains that she would like to rent out her townhouse, which is in a sectional title complex, and is considering using the services of an estate agent to make the process easier. The agent has found a seemingly suitable tenant and is pressing the reader to sign the contracts he has provided, namely a mandate and lease agreement. The reader is … [Read more...] about Should you employ a letting agent?
sean radue
Damp gets tenant down
Another unhappy tenant has contacted our Property Poser expert regarding her rented abode, which appears to be in rather a sorry damp state. The reader writes that the property was in a very good condition when she first moved in. However, there is an enclosed veranda that becomes very damp when it rains, as there is no proper drainage for the rainwater. It appears that the dampness has now spread and also affects the walls of the spare bedroom. Following discussions with the tenant, … [Read more...] about Damp gets tenant down
Annual Rental Calculation Conundrum
This week the Property Poser expert handles a question of a more technical and specific nature regarding the calculation of rental due. It would seem that in this case the rental is calculated on an annual basis and a single amount is payable for the entire year. For some reason, the reader wishes to make a pro rata rental calculation for the month of February - the shortest month of the year - only. The estate agent involved in the rental of the property has advised that the … [Read more...] about Annual Rental Calculation Conundrum
Electrifying dispute over wall
A reader has asked the Property Poser panel to help resolve a boundary wall dispute between her and her neighbour. She explains that a vibracrete wall, which is in perfect condition, separates their properties from each other. In addition, the reader has had a fully compliant electric fence installed above the wall. Recently, the neighbour approached her with the idea of taking down the existing wall and replacing it with a brick version. His reason for doing so is that he plans to build … [Read more...] about Electrifying dispute over wall
Reluctant seller derails property transaction
This week the Property Poser panel considers a property transaction, which has come to a halt due to the seller's sudden reluctance to sell. The prospective buyer writes that he concluded an agreement of sale with the seller for R1.6 million. It has since transpired that the outstanding mortgage bond on the property is R1.58 million and that there are outstanding rates of R80 000. The seller's monetary obligation thus exceeds the amount that would be realised from the sale of the property. … [Read more...] about Reluctant seller derails property transaction
Is suspensive condition bound by additional loan?
This week, a reader has sought the Property Poser experts' advice about a suspensive condition on an offer to purchase a fixed property. She seems to have signed an offer that contained a suspensive condition relating to the successful acquisition of bond finance. The finance was approved but the reader applied for a further loan to cover the additional costs, including transfer duty and legal fees. The reader explains that the bank rejected her application for the additional sum and … [Read more...] about Is suspensive condition bound by additional loan?
Navigating a Storm over Water
The Property Poser experts are often inundated with queries about stormwater run-off from neighbouring properties and this week's scenario comes from a reader who lives in a sectional title complex. The reader explains that the area in which he lives was flooded some time ago, while he was abroad. At the time, his neighbour outside the complex knocked down the wall separating the two properties, which also happened to be the boundary wall of the complex. This was done to drain water from … [Read more...] about Navigating a Storm over Water
The Elusive Certificate of Occupancy
A reader has approached the Property Poser panel about an occupation certificate, which stands between him and the dream home he has built. The reader writes that the residence is nearing completion after four years. He tells us that the project was not financed via a mortgage bond and that he built only as and when he had cash reserves to do so. The builder has now advised the reader that he needs a certificate of occupancy from the local municipality before the house can be formally … [Read more...] about The Elusive Certificate of Occupancy
